Postdoc of Processing and Structuring of Plant-Dairy Hybrid Foods Part-time

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Processing and Structuring of Plant-Dairy Hybrid Foods

The Department of Food Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a 1.5-years postdoctoral fellowship in processing and structuring of plant-dairy hybrid foods, which is part of the research project “Boosting Dairy Side Stream Value through Hybrids (BoostDairy).” The project is financed by the Danish Milk Levy Fund and the Novo Nordisk Foundation and in collaboration with Arla Foods amba and Arla Foods Ingredients.

Current trends point to an increased use of plant resources in food products due to their supposedly lower environmental impact, while the global demand for milk and dairy products remains high because of their excellent nutritional and functional properties. A possible compromise for this dilemma could be hybrid products, i.e., novel foods that are comprised of both dairy and plant-based components, which could satisfy the nutritional and sensory needs of the consumers while also decreasing the environmental impact of the products.

The project particularly aims at valorising dairy industry side streams for developing novel plant-dairy hybrid foods, and special emphasis will be placed on the process optimisation and structural characterisation of the hybrid matrices.

The postdoc's duties will include research and dissemination activities as well as teaching and supervision. As part of the BoostDairy project, the postdoc will work in close collaboration with a PhD candidate.

The postdoctoral fellow will be associated to the research group Food Proteins within the section Ingredient and Dairy Technology. Further information on the Department is linked at https://food.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Tenure Track Assistant Professor Norbert Raak (nr@food.ku.dk).

The position is open from 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The candidate should have documented knowledge and experience within several of the following areas:

• Food and bioprocessing unit operations
• Food structure characterization (e.g., rheology, microscopy, small-angle scattering, etc.)
• Dairy technology
• Plant-based foods
• Design of experiments

In addition, the following qualifications are expected:

• A PhD degree related to the subject area of the position
• Ability to independently conduct research projects
• Documented experience in teaching and supervision of MSc and/or BSc students
• Documented experience in scientific dissemination and communication
• A collaborative mindset
• Excellent English skills

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include:

1. Motivation letter describing your motivation for the specific postdoc fellowship (max. 1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae, without publication list, highlighting your qualifications (max. 3 pages)
3. Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
4. Description of previous and current research activities as well as research plans in relation to the offered position (max. 3 pages excl. references and illustrations; a declaration of the use of generative AI for writing assistance must be included)
5. A scientific poster presentation (A0 portrait) on technological challenges of processing and structuring plant-dairy hybrid foods, highlighting the roles of different plant and milk components (a declaration of the use of generative AI for the poster preparation must be included)
6. Teaching portfolio; i.e., description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience as well as certificates over formal pedagogic training
7. Complete list of publications
8. Separate reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant publications including a short description of their relevance
9. Recommendation letters

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026, 23:59 GMT +2. After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/. The first interview round is expected to be held in weeks 38 and/or 39.